Category Archives: Akhlaq/ Nasihah

This category would include some du’as that we can read as according to the sunnah. Otherwise, I would elaborate on the proper akhlaq that a Muslim should carry in his/ her everyday life. Indeed islam is the way of life. The best of examples to follow is the akhlaq of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w himself and the sahabahs.

This category would also include some general nasihahs for the young ones and adult alike, Insya Allah.

The most important right that must be fulfilled is to Allah. Allah is the Only Creator. He Creates you. He Created everything in His Complete Wisdom. He is the One who protects humans in their mothers’ wombs, as infants, as children and as adults. He, alone, sustains all humans and provides them with food and every aspect of life.

Allah said, what translated means,

“And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah).” [An Nahl 16:78]

Allah’s control over his slaves is perfect. His bounties are countless. If this is His role in the life of humans, then His rights are what one must keep the most. Allah does not need sustenance from His slaves.

He , the Almighty, definitely , has the right of creating us from nothing , preparing us for whatever we shall become while realizing we are completely incapable of doing anything. Allah provides us with all that we have in terms such as health, strength , senses , food , shelter , abilities.

And yet, Allah , the Almighty , does not ask anything in return for all His gifts, grants and bounties offered by generously without limitation. He grants to all who believe in Him , follow His teachings and commands, and to those who do not as well. He requires no favors from us. He demands no provision of food or drink, as He is neither in need of nourishment , nor in need for us for any reason.

He said, what translated means:

“We ask not of you a provision. We provide it for you. And the good end is for the Muttaqeen (the ones who fear Allah).”[Taha 20:132]

This right of Allah is an ideal belief, truthful faith and belief in justice and fairness. This right results in fruitful and excellent quality, good deed and actions. The essence of this belief is love reverence and respect. Meanwhile, the result and fruit of this belief is dedication, sincerity and full devotion to truth, justice, and good ethnic and moral practice.

So it is Allah’s right that you worship Him alone without setting any artners with Him

1. The Right to Be Worshiped Alone Without any partners

And enjoin As-Salât on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money); We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqûn

Allah’s right is that you worshiped him alone, without any intermediaries or any partners in between Allah and you.

Ad Dzariyat 51: 56-58

And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). (56) I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). (57) Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. (58)

Allah , the Almighty, demands complete , through and unrestricted submission in slavery for Him, in respect of His position as Full and Complete Lord, Cherisher and Care taker. Man must present himself before His Creator and Cherisher in full humiliation, obedience and submission to His Commands and Will without questioning the validity of the rule , or even the wisdom behind it , as He, the Almighty, knows well what it is good for His creations as a sole Creator. Man is required to fully believe , wholeheartedly, in that is reported soundly and truly of His Creator through His Prophets, Messengers and Books or scriptures.

In fact, the give of daily prayer of Muslims is but a simple result of the application of this right of Allah , the Almighty . However , sych daily prayers are for the benefits of man himself. They will abolish the minor sins committed during that day , increase the rewards of man for his good actions, improve morals, practices and devotions of the heart of man while improving various situations of man , such as patience and perseverance , concentration , dedication , steadfastness, devotion , commitment to time , production and excellence and so forth.

And remember, even though many in this world do not believe in Him nor worshiped Him, this does not reduce His Might in any single way. You are in need more of it and that is His Rights over you.

Etiquette with Allah

1. Fear and Hope in Allah

Indeed, a person exhibits the fear of Allah by seeking to prevent Allah’s punishment by carrying out what Allah has commanded of him and abstaining from what Allah has prohibited him.

Allah had called upon all people in every era to fear Him. Allah says:

An Nisa 4: 131

And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allâh, and keep your duty to Him, But if you disbelieve, then unto Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allâh is Ever Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all praise. (131)

The fear of Allah is the path to forgiveness, salvation, and the attainment of Allah’s mercy. Allah says:

An Nahl:128“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.”

“And whoever fears Allah – He will pardon him his sins and grant him a great reward.” [Sûrah al-Talâq : 5]

Allah promises those who fear Him that He will provide for their needs and grant them a way out of their worldly difficulties. Allah says:

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from whence he could never imagine.” [ Sûrah al-Talâq : 2-3]

Ibn Mas`ûd explained what it means to fear Allah as He ought to be feared by saying:

“It means that He is to be obeyed not disobeyed, remembered not forgotten, and shown gratitude not ingratitude.”

It is reported on the authority Ibn `Abbas (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allah was asked about the major sins; He replied:

“Associating partners with Allah (shirk), despairing of Allah’s Mercy and believing that one is safe from Allah’s Plan.”

The Hadith proves the obligation of fearing Allah , while hoping for His Mercy.

2. Shukr (gratitude, giving thanks)

Allaah is the One Who bestows favours (we have learned about al Wahhab) and blessings upon all of creation, so they have to show their gratitude for these blessings on their lips and in their hearts and in their physical actions, by praising Allaah and using these blessings to obey Allaah and in ways that Allaah has permitted:

“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me al-Baqarah 2:152 ]

The reward of gratitude is unlimited:

” …If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you…” (Ibrâhîm 14:7)

Allâh has made the reward for gratitude free from any conditions, as in:And no person can ever die except by Allâh’s Leave and at an appointed term. And whoever desires a reward in (this) world, We shall give him of it; and whoever desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give him thereof. And We shall reward the grateful. (Al Imran 3:145)

2. Think about Allah’s Knowledge

Know that he is watching you in any circumstances. You heart should be filled with awe, respect and veneration with Allah. he then become shy and embarrassed to disobey Allah. This is how he should behave towards Allah.

Allah says in Surah An Nahl 16: 19

And Allâh knows what you conceal and what you reveal. (19)

Surah Yunus 10: 61

Neither you (O Muhammad SAW) do any deed nor recite any portion of the Qur’ân, – nor you (mankind) do any deed (good or evil), but We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it. And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record. (Tafsir At-Tabarî). (61)

3. We Must Ponder over Allah’s Power and Contol over us

There is no escape or fleeing from Him. there is no refuge or shelter except in Allah Himself. Therefore, Muslim flees to Allah and throws himself before Him. he leaves his affairs with Allah and puts his trust in Him.

Ad Dzariyat 51: 50

So flee to Allâh (from His Torment to His Mercy — Islâmic Monotheism)

We must always consider Allah’s grip on us and His abilty to punish severely. Thus we strive not to die in the state of disobedience.

Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful, (and) severe. (102)

A muslim should think, that while he is disobeying, is this act by itself already a punishment for him?

4. A Muslim Considers How Generous and Compassionate Allah is

He considers Allah’s mercy upon him and upon all of His creation. He desires to have more of that mercy. he then humble himself to Allah with sincere humility and supplications. He seeks a means of approach to Allah with the best of speech and good deeds.

It is not proper to despair of receiving more of His Mercy.

Allah says in surah al Shuara 42: 19

Allâh is very Gracious and Kind to His slaves

Yusuf 12: 87

“O my sons! Go you and enquire about Yûsuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allâh’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allâh’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” (87)

5. Having Good Expectations of Allah

It is not proper for anyone to have bad thoughts about Allah. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam said

Looking forward to Allah’s reward and forgiveness for every affliction, regardless of the pain and suffering is called Ihtisab.

Allah’s Messenger said, “When Allah takes away from His believing servant his beloved one of the people of the earth; if he displays patience and Ihtisab, Allah will then not accept any reward for him less than Jannah (Paradise).”[Saheeh al-Bukharee]

Let us take the example of Aasiyah, the wife of Firawn. Aasiyah was severely tortured by her husband, who was a king, because she had accepted the Oneness of Allah. In spite of the severe anguish and pain, Aasiyah persisted in her faith, displayed immense patience and practiced Ihtisab. She prayed to Allah and asked Him for a home in Paradise. Allah mentions her story in the Qur’aan, “And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Firawn, when she said, “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise and save me from Firawn and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers.” [Soorah at-Tahrim
(66):11]

When she invoked Allah with this du’a, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. Firawn commanded a big rock to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah inorder to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the rock was dropped. So, Allah granted Aasiyah two blessings for her Ihtisab; a home in Paradise and protection from the cunning plans of Firawn. She is thus an example for all those who will come after her until the Day of Judgment.[Seeat-Tabari23:500]

When you encounter a trial or a hardship, there is a level of patience you have to have whether you like it or not. That patience may or may not be rewarded, depending on your behavior. However, there is a level of patience that is only achieved by those who aspire to please Allah. That patience is called “ihtisab” which means “seeking the reward.”

In conclusion, a Muslim must be thanful to his Lord for all the bounties He has given to him. He must be shy to wards his Lord whenever he leans towards comitting a sin. He must sincerely turn towards His Lord, put his trust in Him, hope for His Mercy and fear His punishments.

He must have good expectations concerning Allah with respect to Allah fulfilling His Promises and threats for whoever He wills form His slaves. This is how one should behave towards Allah.

The more that he sticks to these matters and guards them, the greater will be his position and elevated will be his rank. He shall be greatly blessed by Allah and he shall become teh most devoted slaves. he shall be enveloped in Allah’s Mercy and shall have Allah’s blessings bestowed upon him.

Watch out for the best times to make du’a. So we can reap as much benefit as possible

Among the times are

1. After the Last Tashahud of Prayer and Before the Tasleem

Ibn Mas’ud narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet (SAW), Abu Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salams on the Prophet, then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet (SAW) said: ‘Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!’ [at-Tirmidhi #593 – hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931]

During prayer, a worshipper speaks privately to his Lord, praising Him, invoking Him, and prostrating to Him. Then at the end of the prayer, if the worshipper supplicates to his Lord, the likelihood of his supplication being answered increases. The Prophet sallalhu alaihi wasalam makes supplication after the tashahud. It is not compulsory though.

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: ‘When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan’ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami #611]

3. Last Third of The Night

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.”‘ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: ‘The closest any worshiper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.'[at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i, al-Hakim – Sahih]

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need. The Prophet (SAW) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’[Muslim #757]

4. When You are Prostrating

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW), said: ‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

A slave of Allah is closest to his Lord while he is prostrating perhaps because of servitude, the submission and humility. A person who prostrates places his forehead on the same ground that people walk on. In that position of humility and lowness, he verbally acknowledges the perfection of Allah and saying Subhan Rabbiyal A’alaa. Being in this position, the supplicant is the closest he becomes to his Lord and is tehrefore likely to have his supplication answered. Allah knows best.

Let’s not waste our time during this precious moment that we will find five times in a day Insya Allah.

6. On Friday during an hour which supplication is answered

Narrated Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu): Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said: ‘There is an hour o­n Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he (the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque o­n Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).

(Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) had died.

7. When a fasting person breaks his fast

The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared, ‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the o­ne who is oppressed.’[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi – Hasan]

8. The du’a of those who are wronged

The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said to Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (radiAllahu anhu), ‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the o­ne who is suffering injustice) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)’ [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another hadith; The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared: ‘Three du’as are surely answered: The du’a of the oppressed, the du’a of the traveler, and the du’a of the father/mother (upon their child)’

The o­ne who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) when he invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to retain his rights from the unjust o­ne or oppressor. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has sworn to help the o­ne who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said.

So beware not to oppress or wrong anyone. If you are a boss or a head, beware not to treat someone lower than you without just. Remember their du’a is accepted and God helps us if they make du’a against us.

9. During Battle

When the Muslim is facing the enemy in battle, at this critical period, the du’a of a worshipper is accepted.

Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) narrtaed the the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two duas are never rejected, or rarely rejected: the du’a during the call for prayer, and the du’a during the clamity when the two armies attack each other’ [abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah, al-Hakim]

In another narration: ‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’[reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

10. When its is Raining

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (radiAllahu anhu): that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’. [Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so, o­ne should take advantage of this time when Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is having mercy o­n His slaves.

11. The night of Arafah

For those performing hajj

The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘The best supplication is the supplication o­n the day of Arafat’.[at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. o­n this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together o­n o­ne plain, from every corner of the world, with o­nly o­ne purpose in mind – to respone to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.

12. At Safa and Marwa

It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would make long du’as at Safa and Marwah. [Muslim #1218 and others]

The next trip we make, we shall make longer du’a Insya Allah.

13. Du’a at the stoning laces in jamrah in mina

For the ones who perform hajj

It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du’a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du’a. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]

1. Praise Allah at the beginning of du’a and then the sending of Prayers upon His Messenger sallallahu alaihi wasalam

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam heard a man supplicate in his prayer, without glorifying Allah and without sending prayers upon teh prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam said (to him)

You have rushed (your supplication) O worshipper

And then the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam heard a man pray; the man glorified Allah, praised Him and sent prayers to teh Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam. the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam said (to him)

Supplicate, you will be answered, ask, you will be given.

(At Tirmidhee graded Hasan. Graded sahih by AlBaanee

Ibn Mas’ud radiallahhu anhu related a similar narration. He said, “I was once praying while Abu bakr and Umar were with teh Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam. When I sat down, I began by praising Allah then sending prayers upon the Prophet sallalalhu alaihi wasalam. I then supplicated for myself. The prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam then said,

“Ask, you will be given; ask, you will be given.”

This is Insya Allah a good reminder for us to not be hasty in making our du’a. Praise Allah with His Beautiful names. He is the One who is going to answer to your prayer. It is of the best of manners that we praise Him before we seek His help.

The best of example of making du’a is taught to us by Allah in Surah Fatihah. The first three verses of Surah fatihah are praises to Allah before we make our du’a.

Also never forget to send solah to Prophet Muhammad sallalalhu alaihi wasalam.

Let’s try it.

Let’s look at this article on how we are to send salah to our Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam. HERE.

2. Asking Allah three times

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported that the Prophet sallalalhu alaihi wasalam loves to repeat his supplications three times, and pray for forgiveness three times. (Abu Dawud)

If you ask Alalh for the jannah three times, the jannah will say, O Allah, make him enter jannah. And if you ask Allah to protect you from hellfire three times, hellfire will say, “O Allah, protect him from hellfire.”

Repeating the du’a shows the persistence and the urgency of your need when you ask from the One who can Give.

Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

“Chapter on repeating du’aa’s.” Then he mentioned the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made du’aa’ to Allaah and repeated the du’aa’, when the Jew Labeed ibn al-A’sam put a spell on him. ‘Aa’ishah said: Until one day, or one night, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made du’aa’, then he made du’aa’, then he made du’aa’… Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6391; Muslim, 2189.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Daa’ wa’l-Dawa’ (p. 25): One of the most beneficial of remedies is persisting in du’aa’.

In Kitaab al-Zuhd by Imam Ahmad (305) it is narrated from Qataadah: Mawraq said: I can find no other likeness for the believer except that of a man who is at sea, clinging onto a piece of wood, and saying, “O Lord, O Lord,” that Allaah might save him.

1. It is Recommended to face the Qiblah When Supplicating On some occassions, Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam supplicated facing the Kaabah Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud:

The Prophet faced the Ka’ba and invoked evil on some people of Quraish, on Shaiba bin Rabi’a, ‘Utba bin Rabi’a, Al-Walid bin ‘Utba and Abu Jahl bin Hisham. I bear witness, by Allah, that I saw them all dead, putrefied by the sun as that day was a very hot day. (Bukharee, Muslim, An Nassai and Ahmad)

Another example, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam faced the Kaabah when he supplicated on the day of Badr. Umar al Khattab said,

When the day of Badr came to pass, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam looked at the disbelievers, who were 1000 in numbers, while his companions were only 319 men. The Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam then faced the qiblah, extended his hands, and then began to call out to his Lord, ‘O Allah, carry out for me that which you promised me. O Allah, bring to pass that which You promised me. O Allah if You destroy this group from the people of Islam, You will not be worshiped on earth.’ he continued to call out to his Lord, facing the Qiblah, and with his hands extended, until his robe fell from his shoulders. Then Abu Bakr went to him took his robe, and flung it back onto his shoulders. Abu Bakr then hugged him from behind and said, “O Prophet of Allah, sufficient for you is your supplicating and calling to your Lord, for He will complete for you what He promised you. (Muslim, Ahmadand at Tirmidhee)

So it is best if we could do the same. 2. It is Recommended to Raise Your Hands While You are Supplicating The above mentioned hadeeth by Umar Al Khattab indicates that it is recommended for a Muslim to raise his hands when he is supplicating. Also there are these following a hadith

It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) spoke of a man who raised his hands to the sky and said, “O Lord, O Lord,” whilst his food was haraam, his drink was haraam, his clothing was haraam, he had been nourished with haraam, so how could his du’aa’ be answered?

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “ Allah feels shy to let His slave raise his hands to Him and bring them back empty.” – and other ahaadeeth. When do we raise our hands and when we do not? Refer HERE. and HERE. 3. It is Recommended to Supplicate to Allah in Secret Allah said in Surah Al A’raf 7: 55

Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. (55)

We should invoke Allah in secret ad without raising the voices. To supplicate in secret is from good manners and a sign of sincerity, which makes the person’s supplication to be answered. Ibn Taymiyyah said, “Muslims (referring to the early generations) would ardently supplicate, yet their voices would not be heard by those around them. Tehy would whisper, keeping the supplications between them and their Lord. Let us remind ourselves with the story of Prophet Zakaria alaihi salam. That he called Allah in secret. This is narrated in Surah Maryam 19: 1-11

Kâf¬ Hâ¬Yâ¬’Aîn¬Sâd. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. (1) (This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariyya (Zachariah). (2) When he called out his Lord (Allâh) a call in secret. (3) He said: “My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! (4) “And Verily, I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, (5) “Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya’qûb (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not wealth). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!” (6) (Allâh said) “O Zakariyya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, Whose name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him).” (7) He said: “My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age.” (8) He said: “So (it will be). Your Lord says; It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing!” (9) [Zakariyya (Zachariah)] said: “My Lord! Appoint for me a sign.” He said: “Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.” (10) Then he came out to his people from Al-Mihrâb (a praying place or a private room), he told them by signs to glorify Allâh’s Praises in the morning and in the afternoon. (11)

Sheikh al Islam mentioned a few reasons to why we should invoke in secret 1. Supplicating in secret involves a higher level of eemaan. When one supplicates quietly, he knows that Allah hears a quiet, secret supplication. 2. Supplicating in secret is of great manners. You wouldn’t raise your voice to a king. And Allah is the highest example. Since Allah can hear what you whisper in your heart, it is inappropriate for you to raise your voice when you make supplication to Him. 3. Supplicating is more conducive to sincerity 4. Better concentration 5. Sense of closeness because whispering is to someone close while raising voice to someone at a distance 6. The one who supplicates quietly and in secret is likely to supplicate longer 7. Sometimes, it is necessary to keep certain blessings hidden because every blessing there is a jealous person. And since among the greatest blessings is being guided to supplicate to Allah, hence it is better to invoke in secret. 4. To Invoke Allah with Supplications that are comprehensive Supplications that are most comprehensive in meanings of goodness are those supplications that are found in the Quran and sunnah. Quran is Allah’s speech – highest and most noble speech Sunnah – is also the revelation, which Allah inspired the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam with. We have already started our daily morning adzkar which contain many du’a taken from the quran and the sunnah. 5. It is recommended to end one’s supplication with that which corresponds to what He asked for Lets look at some examples in the quran Al Imran 3: 8

(They say): “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower,” (8)

Because the supplicant is asking Allah to bestow mercy on him, it is appropriate for him to finish his supplication by mentioning a corresponding quality of Allah that He is the Bestower – Al Wahhab Al Imran 3: 194

“Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break (Your) Promise.” (194)

Because the believers are asking Allah to grant them what He has promised then upon the tongues of His Messengers, it is appropriate to complete the supplication by describing Allah as being true to His promise. Al Maidah 5: 114

Īsā (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: “O Allâh, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us – for the first and the last of us – a festival and a sign from You; and provide us sustenance, for You are the Best of sustainers.” (114)

Having asked for sustenance, Eesa appropriately finished his supplication by saying that Allah is the Best of Sustainers If you ask Allah to bless you with a child, you can finish the supplication by saying – Allah is Bestower, Allah is the Provider If you ask Allah to forgive your sins, you can finish your supplication by saying He is Most Forgiving the Most merciful If you ask for wealth, you can finish your supplication by saying He is the provider and that He is Most Generous. We have learned quite a few of Allah’s names. From the one that you have learned, can you give other examples?

There are some factors that will push our supplications to be answered. May Allah help us.

i. Dutifulness to Parents

One of the greatest deeds is dutifulness to one’s parents. This is a fact mentioned over and over again in the Quran and sunnah. Thos who are dutifull to their parents will always be guided to goodness. Allah will put the love for him in the heart of people and his supplications are most likely to be answered.

“The story of Uwais Al-Qarni was mentioned in Sahih Muslim as well as in other books. Now even though he was from the Tabi’een and did not see the Messenger [Salah Allahu Alaihi wa salam], the Messenger [Salah Allahu Alaihi wa salam] had advised ‘Umar ibn Al-Khatab [Radiya Allahu ‘Anhu] that if he meets [Uwais] then he, ‘Umar, should ask [Uwais] to ask Allah to forgive him and to make supplication for him.

`Umar then asked, “Were you once afflicted with leprosy and your skin healed except for a dirham’s area?” Uways said, “Yes.”

`Umar finally asked, “Do you have a mother (that is alive)?” He said, “Yes.”

`Umar then said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah – sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam – say, ‘Uways ibn Aamir will come to you with the delegations from Yemen, from Muraad, then from Qaran. He was once afflicted with leprosy and his skin healed except for a dirham’s area. He has a mother, and he treats her kindly. If he was to ever swear by Allah (for something) Allah would fulfill his oath. If you can, request that he ask forgiveness for you.”

`Umar then requested from Uways, “Ask forgiveness for me.” And Uways Al-Qaranee did.

Another story from sahih hadith Insya Allah

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Three men from among those who were before you, set out together till they reached a cave at night and entered it. A big rock rolled down the mountain and closed the mouth of the cave. They said (to each other), ‘Nothing can save you from this rock but to invoke Allah by giving reference to a righteous deed which you did (for Allah’s sake only).’ So, one of them said, ‘O Allah! I had old parents and I never provided my family (wife, children) with milk before them. One day, by chance I was delayed, and I came late (at night) while they had fallen asleep. I milked the sheep for them and took the milk to them, but I found them sleeping. I disliked to provide my family with the milk before them. I waited for them and the bowl of milk was in my hand and I kept on waiting for them to get up till the day dawned. Then they got up and drank the milk. O Allah! If I did that for Your Sake only, please relieve us from our critical situation caused by this rock.’ So, the rock shifted a little but they could not get out.”

“The second man said, ‘O Allah! I had a cousin who was the dearest of all people to me and I wanted to have sexual relations with her but she refused. Later she had a hard time in a famine year and she came to me and I gave her one-hundred-and-twenty Dinars on the condition that she would not resist my desire, and she agreed. When I was about to fulfill my desire she said, ‘It is illegal for you to outrage my chastity except by legitimate marriage.’ So I thought it a sin to have sexual intercourse with her and left her though she was the dearest of all people to me, and I also left the gold I had given her. O Allah! If I did that for Your Sake only, please relieve us from the present calamity.’ So, the rock shifted a little more but they still could not get out from there.”

“Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! I employed a few laborers and I paid them their wages with the exception of one man who did not take his wages and went away. I invested his wages and I got much property thereby. (Then after some time) he came and said to me, ‘O Allah’s slave! Pay me my wages.’ I said to him, ‘All the camels, cows, sheep and slaves you see are yours.’ He said, ‘O Allah’s slave! Don’t mock me.’ I said, ‘I am not mocking you.’ So, he took all of the herd and drove them away and left nothing. O Allah! If I did that for Your Sake only, please relieve us from the present suffering.’ So, that rock shifted completely and they got out walking.” [Sahih Bukhari]

This hadith tells us about pious deeds and their effects. Three men got trapped in a cave whose opening got blocked so completely that if the rock hadn’t moved from its mouth the cave would have become their grave. At such times man forsakes all means and agencies and looks only to the Creator of the means and agencies.

From the example of the first man we see that there is no limit to kind treatment of parents as long as one does not commit sins in order to please them. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) tremendously rewards those peope who are kind and considerate to their parents.

From the example of the second man we learn the value of Taqwa. Taqwa is that a man refrain from sin only because he fears Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), although he has the means and ability to sin, is surrounded by a sinful atmosphere, and is not afraid of being caught or punished in this world. This man was able to put a check on his desire, although he longed for that woman, only because of being reminded of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). This is how Believers are: “When Allah is mentioned their hearts are filled with fear.” [Quran 8:2] As a result of this man’s Taqwa, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) removed the rock from the mouth of the cave a little more. Allah says: “And whosoever fears Allah, He appoints a way out for him.” [Quran 65:2]

From the example of the third man we learn that those people are very dear to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) who recognize the rights of their fellow men and give them their rights faithfully. As an employer, the man not only kept the wages of his employee safely but also invested them profitably although it was not binding on him to do so. He gave to his employee many times over the principal amount, an example of excellent dealings with a fellow-man. Can the greedy world present an example of such a character today?

From this hadith we learn that man should turn to Allah when he is faced with difficulty, anxiety and trial. If he does this, the difficulty becomes a blessing for him, as he is rewarded for asking Allah and depending on His help. Some people do not turn to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) even in times of distress. This is a very dangerous trend and a sign that they have hardened themselves against the remembrance of Allah because of which “Allah has sealed their hearts.” [Quran 2:7] May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) protect us from this.

ii. To Perform good deed prior to supplication

Prior to supplicating, you should perform deeds that bring you closer to Allah. Can you give examples of deeds?

This also mean, immediately after performing a good deed, you should make a supplication asking Allah and beg him.

Performing good deed is an act that Allah loves. Allah’s love to His slave means He is please with him. He will give His help, His support and His answering the slave’s supplication.

Therefore if you pray, then supplicate, fast and then supplicate, treat people with kindness and then supplicate, you are more likely to have your supplication accepted and answered.

Allah knows best.

iii. Performing voluntary acts of worship after obligatory ones

When you perform voluntary act of worship over an obligatory acts, you pave the way to having your supplication answered.

“Allah, the Exalted, has said: `I will declare war against him who treats with hostility a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary prayers or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) until I love him, (so much so that) I become his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me something, I will surely give him, and if he seeks My Protection (refuge), I will surely protect him”.

[Al-Bukhari]

iv. Asking for one’s supplication to be answered by dint of previously performed good deeds

One increases the chances of his supplication to be answered when one mentions a previously performed good deed prior to supplicating.

Let’s read again the hadith of the three man in the cave.

v. Invoke Allah Persistently and Repeatedly

One step to improve the likelihood of supplication being answered is to invoke Allah with persistence, repeatedly making the same supplication over and over again. Showing humility and complete dependence upon the Lord.

Umar Ibn Al Khattab said,

“When the day of Badr came to pass, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam looked at the disbelievers, who were 1000 in numbers, while his companions were only 319 men. The Prophet of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam then faced the qiblah, extended his hands, and then began to call out to his Lord, ‘O Allah, carry out for me that which you promised me. O Allah, bring to pass that which You promised me. O Allah if You destroy this group from the people of Islam, You will not be worshipped on earth.’ he continued to call out to his Lord, facing the Qiblah, and with his hands extended, until his robe fell from his shoulders. then Abu Bakr went to hom, took his robe, and flung it back onto his shoulders. Abu Bakr then hugged him from behind and said, “O rophet of Allah, sufficient for you is your supplicating and calling to your Lord, for He will complete for you what He promised you.

Then Allah revealed, ‘(Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): “I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession.” (Al Anfal 8: 9) So Allah helped him with the angels (Muslim, Ahmadand at Tirmidhee)

vi. Supplicate with an Alert and attentive heart leads to a person’s supplication being answered

When one invokes Allah with a heart that is awake and alert, he is more likely to have his supplications answered. This means that one should read invocations with a sense of fear, hope and humility.

Allah said in Surah Al Araf 7: 55-56

Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. (55)

And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allâh’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers. (56)

The Prophet ﷺ said,

”Ask Allah with certainty that He will answer your prayers.” (Tirmidhi)

vii. To Ask with determination and Resolve

When one invokes Allah, he should show a sense of determination and resolve. He should not make his supplication hinge upon Allah’s will. For instance saying, “O Allah grant me this and this if You will.

Instead one should show determination and be sure that Allah will answer his supplication. By being determined and sure in one’s supplication, one shows that he places his trust with Allah, that he is invoking th All Seeing and the All Hearing. That his Lord is upon all things able, and that nothing in the heavens and earth can weaken, thwart and defeat Allah.

Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

“When one of you makes a supplication, he should be firm in the supplication and not say, ‘O Allah, if you like, give to me.’ Allah cannot be forced against His will.”

Some scholars say this means

– do not hesitate in asking

– do not be weak in asking

– think well of Allah being sure he will answer your supplication.

If you say, “O Allah give me this and that if you will,” it seems that he doesn’t really need either Allah to help him or the thing he is asking for.

Summary : For Supplication to be answered

1. Be good to your parents. This great action is commanded by Allah after obeying Him. Parents’ du’a for their children is also among the du’a accepted by Allah. So this is double bonus when you are good to your parents, and your supplication is answered.

2. To perform good deed. May this encourage all of us to perform more good deeds.

3. performing voluntary acts as prescribed in the sunnah.

4. mentioning to Allah about your previous good deeds. This mentioning of your good deeds should be mentioned only to Allah to ask for something, not to be mentioned to people reminding them of your favours to them.

5. Make du’a to Allah consistently without tire even of the supplication seems not answered.

6. Be humble, be submissive, have faith in Allah, think well of Him. Have fear of Him and hope of Him.

7. Be sure and certain in your dua’. Do not be weak in asking for du’a.

Let us reflect on the stories of the first man created. The story of him and the father of evil – Iblis. How both of them ended their stay in the blissful jannah because of their disobedience to Allah.

Adam alaihi salam and Hawa, both of them ate the forbidden fruit while Iblis refused to prostrate unto Adam upon being commanded by Allah.

What we need to look at are the reactions of them two so we may reap lessons from this major point of history of mankind.

Iblis

Surah Al Aaraf 7: 11-18

And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, “Prostrate yourselves to Adam”, and they prostrated themselves, except Iblîs (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves. (11)
(Allâh) said: “What prevented you (O Iblîs) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?” Iblîs said: “I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.” (12)
(Allâh) said: “(O Iblîs) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.” (13) (Iblîs) said: “Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).” (14)
(Allâh) said: “You are of those respited.” (15)
(Iblîs) said: “Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path (16)
Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You).” (17)
(Allâh) said (to Iblîs) “Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all.” (18)

Adam alaihi salam

Al Aaraf 7: 19-25

“And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zâlimûn (unjust and wrong-doers).” (19)
Then Shaitân (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save that you should become angels or become of the immortals.” (20)
And he [Shaitân (Satan)] swore by Allâh to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.” (21)
So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitân (Satan) is an open enemy unto you?” (22) They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” (23) (Allâh) said: “Get down, one of you is an enemy to the other [i.e. Adam, Hawwa (Eve), and Shaitân (Satan),]. On earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment, – for a time.” (24)
He said: “Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e.resurrected).” (25)

A little bit of analysing
When shaytan was asked why did he not obey the command, he replied by saying that he is better than Adam because he is created from fire while Adam was created from clay. Where did he get the idea that fire is better than clay? He refused to admit his guilty but instead showed his arrogance and pride.

And when being informed of his punishment by Allah, he made du’a. Instead of making repentance he asked to have a respite so that he could make Adam and his sons (all of us) also disobey Allah.

When Adam was asked why did he disobeyed, they did not give any excuse but rather immediately admit their guilt, beg for forgiveness by Allah’s will and humbled themselves.

This teach us Insya Allah about du’a – what to do and what not.

Supplication must be directed to Allah alone.

Ghafir 40: 60

And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islâmic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islâmic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!” (60)

Allah, Mighty and Glorious is He, has commanded us to supplicate to Him and has promised to respond to us when we do so.

Alhamdlillah, Allah with His boundless generosity and endless mercy. He has made the servant’s supplication as the fulfillment for his needs and then it is also rewarded as an act of worship.

Whereas for those who do not ask from Him or when he neglects asking Allah, Allah describes him as being arrogant!

Supplication is Worship

Prophet salllahu alaihi wasalm made it clear that supplication is a part of worshiping Allah,

Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet sallallahu alahi wasalam said, “Whoever does not supplicate to Allah invokes His wrath.”

Anyone who does not supplicate to Allah or who supplicates to other than Allah, then that person has – according to the above mentioned hadith – scorned His worship.

When you supplicate to Allah, you will taste the spiritual sweetness of invoking Allah and you humble before him. To cry before Allah and to beg Him.

Lesson
1. Invoke only to Allah
2. When you invoke to Allah, he will respond
3. When you invoke to Allah you are rewarded.
4. making du’a is an act of worship.
5. Those who do not invoke to Allah, Allah is angry at him.
6. Those who do not invoke to Allah, they are arrogant.

Al Naml 27: 62

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls on Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Little is that you remember!

And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. Al Baqarah 2: 186

According to the ayat, any supplication that fulfills the correct requirements will, be answered by Allah.

In a hadith

Allah is Shy and Most Generous. He is Shy that when a man raises his hands to Him (in Du’aa), He does not allow him to put them empty in failure.” [Ahmad, Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhee]

Abu Said al khudri related that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam said, “No Muslims makes du’a to Allah, without being granted one of three things by Allah: it hastens the fulfillment of what he asked for, or it is saved up for him until the Day of Judgment; or it prevents some kind of trouble from happening to him – unless it was for something bad, or something that might break the family ties.

(At Tirmidhi)

Lessons

1. Allah stresses again that He responds to du’a.

2. Du’a to ask Allah to remove evil.

3. Allah is shy if His slave raise his hands and ask Him for something and He doesn’t give it to him. So make du’a often.

Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam said,

Nothing drives back Al Qadaa ( a decree) except for supplication, and nothing increases a (person’s) lifespan except for al Birr – At Tirmidhee. This hadeeth is Hassan Ghareeb.

Lesson

1. Do not underestimate a du’a for it will remove evil and Allah knows best how He will respond to you by your du’a.

Reference

1. The purification of the soul – Compiled from the works of Ibn Rajab al Hanbali, Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyya and Abu hamid al Ghazali.

We like to go camping outdoor or perhaps a picnic that may last for a whole day. Sometimes there are no proper facilities for toilet, so we usually have to make a makeshift one.

But we should not forget our manners of going to a makeshift toilet because anywhere that you relieve yourself, is considered a toilet . If you think about it, in the times of Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wasalam and the sahabah, this is how they go to toilet. Outdoor style.

We thank Allah for the ni’mah of an easy toilet we have now, but we can always learn how to handle ourselves when we need to relieve ourselves outdoor, Insya Allah.

1. Avoid Relieving Yourselves in these three places

Muaadh Ibn Jabal related that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam said (please refer to the arabic text in the book)

Stay away from the three malain : (Excreting) stool in Mawaarid (pathways that lead to water), in the middle of the road and in the shade.

Another hadith,

Abu hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah sallalalhu alaihi wasalam said, Beware of Al La’aanain. The Companions asked, “And what are the Al La’aanain, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “The One who relieves himself in the pathway of people or in their shade.”

The word Mala’in and La’in comes from the same root word which is La’an which means cursing. La’inain (in muthana form) means two matters that lead people to cursing.

So in these hadith, these are the actions that cause people to curse the one who did certain action. which are relieving oneself in three places
i. Drinking water
ii. a path to walk on
iii. a shade to sit under. – a tree or any shade that people use to take cover.

In general the hadith also mean not to relieve oneself where people often frequent or can take benefit from it. It does not mean that one cannot relieve themselves under a tree at all. It only means not to do it at where people usually take benefit from.

2. The Prohibition of urinating in Stagnant Water (Water that does not flow)

Jaabir reported that the Messenger sallalahu alaihi wasalam forbade the practice of urinating in stagnant water (that is water that does not flow such as a puddle, a pond) -Muslim, An Nassaaee and Ibn Majah.

For greater reason it is not allowed to defecate in it

The reason behind it is, urine is very likely to contaminate stagnant water and this will harm other people who want to use it.

Does this include swimming pool? Large lakes? lakes that are connected to river or sea?

Imam Nawawi said: “If the water is a lot and is flowing and attached to the seas or river, it is permissible or makrouh.”

As for pool, some scholars dervie that if the water is a lot than it is permissible but some say it is prohibited. Read in Islamweb HERE.

The best is to refrain from doing that. If you need to pee at the pool, get out of the pool and pee in the toilet.

3. The Prohibition of Facing the Qiblah or Turning One’s Back to it When Using the Toilet.

When one of you turns to defecate, then he should neither face the qiblah nor turns his back to it, but rather, it should be to his east or west (left or right)

Another hadith

Jabeer Ibn Abdullah said, “The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam forbade us from facing the Qiblah and urinating at the same time. Then one year before he died, I saw him facing it (while urinating). (Tirmidhee hasan by AlAlbanee.)

Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Dawud :: Book 1 : Hadith 11

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar:

Marwan al-Asfar said: I saw Ibn Umar make his camel kneel down facing the qiblah, then he sat down urinating in its direction. So I said: AbuAbdurRahman, has this not been forbidden? He replied: Why not, that was forbidden only in open country; but when there is something between you and the qiblah that conceals you , then there is no harm.

There are different opinions to whether it is alowed or not to face or turn against the qiblah when relieving oneself. Insya Allah we will take the strongest opinion.

i. It is totally not allowed to face the qiblah during relieving of oneself.
ii. Some scholars say if urinating in a building, then it is okay. However if it is done in the open, then this is not allowed.
iii. Other say it is makruh and one should try to avoid it. This is the STRONGEST opinion.

Thus bear this in mind the next time we go outdor and need to relieve oneself. Also bear this in mind when we make our makeshift toilet. This again call that we must be aware of the qiblah direction when we are in the open. ALhamdulillah we have gadgets to help us with that.

4. Do not forget to recite the du’a to enter the toilet

So you are in the outdoor and there is no door for the toilet because there is no proper toilet in the first place. But it does not mean that we should not be reciting the du’a.

As you approach the spot that you have chosen to urinate or pass stool or before you are about to sit down, say the invocation. And when you are finished, say the invocation of leaving the bathroom.

An Nawawee said, “It is agreed upon that these manners are recommended, that there is no distinctions between buildings and wide open sapces. And Allah knows best.”

5. Make Sure No One Can See You

The Book of Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Muslim :: Book 2 : Hadith 527

Mughira b. Shu’ba reported: I was in the company of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) on a journey when he said: Mughira take hold of this jar (of water). I took hold of it and I went out with him. (I stopped but) the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) proceeded on till he was out of my sight. He relieved himself and then came back

Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Dawud :: Book 1 : Hadith 1

Narrated Mughirah ibn Shu’bah:

When the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) went (outside) to relieve himself, he went to a far-off place.

Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Dawud :: Book 1 : Hadith 14

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar:

When the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) wanted to relieve himself, he would not raise his garment, until he lowered himself near the ground.

The Book of Menstruation (Kitab Al-Haid)

Muslim :: Book 3 : Hadith 673

‘Abdullah b. Ja’far reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) one day made me mount behind him and he confided to me something secret which I would not disclose to anybody; and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) liked the concealment provided by a lofty place or cluster of dates (while answering the call of nature), Ibn Asma’ said in his narration: It implied an enclosure of the date-trees.

An Nawaweee said, “The point of jurisprudence one learns from the hadith is that, when one goes to relieve himself, it is recommended that for him to conceal himself behind a cluster of trees, behind a mound, in some lowland, or anything similar. What is important is that that his entire body becomes hidden from the view of others This is sunnah muakaddah. Allah knows best.

Also, if one has to pass stool or urine in open terrain, he should not raise his garment until he lowers himself to the ground, especially if there is someone who can see him. It’s easier if he has a thawb or abaya or a sarong.

6. To Stand or To Sit?

We have discussed earlier, HERE, that it is better to sit than to stand. But if you are at a place, where it is dirty to sit then you are allowed to stand with the following conditions
i. He must be safe from his garment or body become sullied
ii. He must be safe from anyone seeing him.

Thus among the things that we learned today in terms of the etiquette of going to the toilet are

1. To avoid relieving ourself at places where people take shade, pathway that leads to water, people’s path.
2. Urinating in stagnant water. may be a puddle or a pond.
3. Facing or backing the Qiblah.
4. To recite the du’a before relieving oneself and after it.
5. It is better to sit when relieving oneself but one is allowed to stand if one needs to.